Boston Bruins Honor Zdeno Chara
In a momentous occasion for the Boston Bruins, the team will honor former captain Zdeno Chara by retiring his iconic No. 33 on January 15, before a matchup against the Seattle Kraken. This monumental event will cement Chara’s legacy within the franchise, making him the 13th player ever to have his number honored in the rafters and the first since Willie O’Ree’s recognition in 2022.
Chara’s Impact and Legacy
Chara, who recently returned to the Bruins as a hockey operations adviser and mentor, is remembered for his considerable impact during his 14-year tenure with the team. Bruins’ owner Jeremy Jacobs hailed Chara’s unique combination of skills, physicality, and leadership, stating:
“There will never be another Zdeno Chara. From his skill, size and physical dominance on the ice, to his leadership in the locker room and impact on the Boston community, ‘Zee’ is a legend of the game.”
The towering 6-foot-9 Slovakian defenseman led the Bruins to their Stanley Cup victory in 2011, and his accolades include winning the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman in 2009. He played crucial roles in bringing the team to the finals in 2013 and 2019.
Chara’s Reflections
Reflecting on this honor, Chara expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating:
“This honor is greater than anything I could have imagined when I first came to Boston. I am forever grateful to the Bruins organization for trusting me to lead, to all my teammates past and present, to the fans whose passion and energy made Boston feel like home, and to my family who made everything possible.”
Recognition and Future
Chara’s illustrious career continues to be acknowledged as he was recently elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame, with his induction ceremony scheduled for November. Bruins president Cam Neely, who proudly had his own jersey number retired back in 2004, praised Chara’s exceptional presence and professionalism:
“Zdeno set the standard with his professionalism, his legendary work ethic and his fierce competitiveness, and he did it all while representing our organization with the utmost class.”
